ABSTRACT
Poisoning of protected wildlife is common and is a major wildlife forensics issue. Field investigation is essential for the proper documentation of suspected poisoning cases. Information related to species affected, food habits of the species, clinical signs or death stance, post mortem condition of most of victims, scavenger evidence, legal pesticide use history in the area are all important to establish in order to narrow the list of possible toxic substances and the sources of such substances. Toxins most commonly used include carbamates, organophosphates, strychnine, compound 1080, anticoagulant rodenticides, thallium, and cyanide. A combination of field work, veterinary examination and chemical analysis is used to determine the underlying cause of death. Detection of toxic chemicals is a difficult task and adequate specimens are necessary. Identification of crop or stomach contents may help determine whether a case was caused by primary or secondary toxicosis.
